Following recent approval by the Da Nang People’s Committee, the Da Nang International Fireworks Competition (DIFC) will, from 2017, return to being held every year and it will be held over 3 consecutive weekends instead of the previous 2 days.

Part of Team Australia’s winning display at DIFC 2015

The real estate developer Sun Group has been chosen to be the organiser of this international-level event from 2017 onwards.

Reporter Xuan Duyen from the Da Nang Newspaper has interviewed Sun Group General Director Dang Minh Truong to gather further information about DIFC 2017.

Mr Truong explained that the city began to host the annual DIFC in 2008, but it became a biennial competition after 2013 due to financial problems and some difficulties in mobilising human resources to organise the event.  Therefore, the municipal government has given the go-ahead for the Group to cover all the costs of the event and to organise it. 

He emphasised that the international-level event will help Da Nang to promote its image, bolster its socio-economic progress, and further develop its tourism sector.

He announced that DIFC 2017 will take place from 14 to 29 April.  This longer period will help visitors to more easily book their air tickets, tours, hotel rooms and other related services, as well as enjoy more exciting cultural activities during DIFC 2017.  This will in turn encourage them to extend their stay in the city.

Sun Group General Director Truong

The launch site for the fireworks is set to change.  The displays will now be set off on a river section near Asia Park, instead of at the former Han River Port near the Novotel.  The new fireworks’ launching location, which is about 500m away from the eastern bank of the river, is safer and more spacious.  Thanks to this, larger fireworks can be launched to create a more impressive show.  A large main stage and viewing stands for 30,000 spectators will be set up on the eastern bank of the river.

Team Da Nang-Viet Nam, along with the 7 past champions, will compete in the 2017 event, with the fireworks performances taking place on the Fridays and Saturdays of the 3 weekends, and 2 teams performing on one day.

During DIFC 2017, there will be a wide range of fascinating events, including cuisine programmes, paragliding shows and a lights festival.

The Group will invite a prestigious general director from either home or abroad to organise the event in order to make it more attractive and professional.

Mr Truong also noted that the Group is likely to suffer financial losses because the organisation of DIFC 2017 is expected to cost between 30 and 40 billion VND, whilst only about 9 billion VND is predicted to be collected from the sale of tickets.  However, he affirmed that their offer to organise DIFC demonstrates the Group’s willingness to boost the city’s progress.

He added that the municipal authorities will decide the theme and approve the organising plans for DIFC 2017.